Authorities in Madrid, Spain, have arrested a 46-year-old man accused of livestreaming the sexual abuse of his seven-year-old daughter in exchange for cryptocurrency. Police identified the suspect after a four-month investigation triggered by an anonymous tip about child exploitation material.
Details of the Crimes
The man allegedly used private livestreaming rooms on an app to lure viewers interested in such content. He initially posted photos of himself lying on a bed with his daughter to attract followers. Once contacted via an external messaging app, paying customers watched the abuse broadcasts, compensating him with cryptocurrency that he converted into online popularity boosts and gifts.
Investigation and Arrest
The probe began last November following an anonymous email to a dedicated public tip line for child pornography reports. Detectives traced the activity to the suspect in Madrid’s Tetuan neighborhood, where officers raided his apartment. Footage captures him in jeans and a black top, handcuffed and led to a police vehicle.
A National Police spokesman stated: “Officers arrested the man for broadcasting the sexual abuse of his own daughter via a livestreaming app. In return, he received cryptocurrency, which he exchanged for increased online visibility and gifts.”
Seized Evidence and Charges
During the search, police seized two mobile phones containing extensive pornographic material. The suspect, who shared custody of the girl with his former partner, appeared before a judge and was remanded in custody. He faces charges of corruption of minors—including production, possession, and distribution of child pornography—as well as sexual assault.
Investigators describe the motive as financial, with the man earning approximately €1,000 before his arrest. This marks the first encounter local police have had with the specific app used in these alleged crimes.
